Kinetics and Mechanism of Oxidation of Ethylacetate by Potassium Permangnate in Acidic Medium

Abstract

Kinetics of oxidation of ethylacetate (EtAc) by potassium permanganate (KMnO) in sulphuric acid medium has been investigated. Analysis of kinetic data revealed that the reaction exhibits a rate law, rate=k[KMn04] [EtAc] [H+F,where overall rate constant, K= 1.0x 10-3 mol' PS-3 at 303 K. The stoichiometry of the reaction has been established as KMnO 4: EtAc =2: 1and final product identified as acetic acid. A mechanistic pathway, consistent with the kinetic studies, involving formation of the powerful oxidant HzMnO4+ followed by slow hydride transfer from the ester to the oxidant has been proposed.